Brussels

We arrived in Brussels on Sunday afternoon.  Again, because we knew time was limited, we immediately hit the streets to explore and tour around a bit.

We followed another self-guided tour for awhile, which was incredibly helpful and insightful.  The tour began in Brussels' spectacular main square, appropriately named "Grand Place." 

The Town Hall dominates the square with its 300-foot-tall tower, topped by a golden statue of St. Michael slaying a devil.  

Here he is, slaying the devil..

I'll admit, I can't remember which building this was...but it sure is pretty, don't you think?

My Dad was in heaven with all of the European architecture and history we experienced this trip!

We stopped for some incredibly delicious hot chocolate along our walk - soo yummy!!

Galeries Royales St. Hubert.  Built in 1847, this is Europe's oldest still-operating shopping mall.  No, we did not shop here, but it was beautiful to walk through!

Every half hour, or so, after twilight, the Grand Place would light up in musical wonder.  Music and lights synced up to give a very impressive 10 minute show.  We caught it a few times, and you couldn't help but stop and stare at all of the buildings lighting up and "dancing" to the music.  Speaking of dancing, Maddie was unable to contain herself and lit up the square with her dancing feet.  That's my girl! 

Our walk led us to a city landmark, the Manneken-Pis.  Try not to be offended by anything you are about to read, but rather, find the humor! :)  This bronze statue of a little peeing boy is an appropriately low key symbol for the unpretentious Bruxelloise, according to our tour book.  "The statute was made in 1619 to provide drinking water for the neighborhood.  It was actually knighted by the occupying King Louis XV -- so French soldiers had to salute the eternally pissing lad when they passed.  The locals' favorite version of the legends about the story behind Manneken, is that the little tyke loved his beer, which came in handy when a fire threatened the wooden city: he bravely put it out.  In actuality, the city commissioned it to show the freedom and joie de vivre of living in Brussels -- where happy people eat, drink....and drink....and then pee."  For all the right reasons, we found the famous statue and happily took our picture!

Before we found dinner and hit the road, we walked up past Place Royal.  It was something to be seen, even in the dark.  

The front of the Royal Palace.  The flag was flying at the top, which meant that the King was currently somewhere in Belgium.

The last picture I took in Brussels, from atop the hill where the Palace sits.  The tall tower is the town hall at Grand Place.  What a view!